Rome, Italy – According to recent data from the United Nations and Italian sources, over 2,000 refugees and migrants have died in 2024 while attempting to reach Europe. The United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that at least 2,200 individuals were either dead or missing in the Mediterranean Sea last year.
Regina De Dominicis, director of UNICEF’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted the tragic reality that many of the victims were young people. She urged governments to prioritize the protection of children seeking safety in Europe.
Earlier data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicated 2,368 deaths or disappearances along Mediterranean and Northwest Africa maritime routes in 2024. The UNHCR also reported that 193,448 refugees and migrants arrived in Europe by December 29, with Italy becoming the primary landing point, followed closely by Greece and Spain.
The rising death toll underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by those fleeing conflict, persecution, and poverty in search of a better life in Europe. The international community continues to grapple with the challenges of migration and the urgent need for effective policies to ensure the safety and dignity of refugees.